The economic cycle

  • demand for labour is determined by demand for goods and services in the economy
    • if labour shortages occur during high eco growth, employers have to compete for employees by offering higher wages
      • Unions may also use stronger bargaining power to demand wage increases
    • If there is an eco downturn ( decreased demand for G/S)
      • businesses are forced to reduce workforce size

Structural change

structural change is :: a change in the nature and pattern of production of goods and services within an economy.

  • In Last 50 years:
    • employment in production industries has decreased significantly
    • and employment in services industries have increased significantly

Globalisation

  • Globalisation has increased the level of international competition in the marketplace
  • wider pool of available labour
    • especially with countries with lower costs & wage rates due to different economic status and/or government regulation
      • international organisations like the EU & WTO have roles in trying to prevent trade based on immoral practices
        • (such as child labour)
  • Also means that all businesses have to better attract and retain their staff,
    • otherwise they can quit and go elsewhere lol